The Jets used their first two draft picks on safeties, and both rookies will be making an immediate impact this season.

No. 6 overall pick Jamal Adams and second-rounder Marcus Maye have been working in tandem as the Jets' starting safeties through the first two practices of training camp.

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Todd Bowles noted how "rare" it is for two rookies to come in and lock down first-team spots, but the coach said Maye and Adams earned those roles by learning the playbook quickly during spring practices.

"They can play," Bowles said. "(These) two guys showed so much in the spring and what we brought them along with, they can only get better. Their maturity level as far as learning the plays exceeded what we wanted or our expectations (for) a rookie. So we think those guys are ready to play."

Maye and Adams established a relationship while both played in the SEC in college — Maye at Florida and Adams at LSU. They exchanged text messages frequently.

But now that friendship is growing. Adams and Maye are rooming together. And the bond has taken on a new level of importance, with Bowles and the rest of his defensive staff relying on the youngsters in crucial positions.

"Me and Marcus, we have a phenomenal opportunity," Adams said. "We're back there working together, running with the ones, and so we're just trying to take advantage of every opportunity."

After releasing cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris this offseason, the Jets are featuring a number of young players on defense. Darron Lee will be asked to take a step forward this season in Harris' absence, while cornerback Juston Burris could see an enhanced role in his second year.

Nonetheless, Bowles — who was hired by Gang Green as a defensive mastermind — is anticipating a dominant season from his unit.

"I expect the defense to come in higher than it was last year," Bowles said. "How old do you have to be to win? I ask those guys that every day. Rookies, second-year guys, third-year guys, there's no set quota on being old enough in the league to win ball games."

ASJ’S NEW APPROACH

Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins has completely reshaped his body entering his first training camp in Florham Park. He's lost more than 30 pounds since the end of the 2016 season and is already drawing praise from Bowles for improved speed and movement.

Seferian-Jenkins was cut by the Bucs in September of last year after his second DUI in three years. The Jets signed him three days later. The 24-year-old said he's approaching 2017 like it's his rookie season.

"I get my ankles taped where the rookies get it taped, I get in the ice bath where the rookies get in the ice bath," he said. "It's a new me, and I'm rededicating myself and I'm pushing myself as hard as I can. I'm trying to get the most out of myself."

QB BATTLE

Josh McCown is the favorite to open the season as the starter. (Howard Simmons/New York Daily News)

Josh McCown once again started under center for the first series of 11-on-11 drills Sunday, but the reps were split more evenly among the three quarterbacks in the second practice of training camp.

McCown finished 9 of 11 passing on 18 reps. Christian Hackenberg completed 8 of 14 passes on 18 reps. And Bryce Petty completed 6 of 10 passes with an interception on 14 reps. … Morris Claiborne was excused from Sunday's session for personal reasons. Bowles said the cornerback will be back at practice today.